Reem Abulleil
Reem Abulleil
Contributor
Reem Abulleil is an Egyptian multimedia journalist and editor with over 14 years of experience covering sport both regionally and internationally. She travels the world covering tennis, F1 and the NBA, while also focusing on Arab athletes across a wide range of sports. Her columns and exclusive interviews provide insight into the happenings on the tennis circuit and shed light on important issues related to sport in the MENA region. Reem is also the host and producer of The National’s Abtal podcast, a series dedicated to Arab athletes and their journeys towards the Paris Olympics.

Articles

Hady Habib will represent Lebanon in the singles and doubles of the Paris Olympics tennis event. Photo: Hady Habib / Instagram
Lebanon's Habib in dreamland after earning surprise clash with Alcaraz

An injury withdrawal opened up a last-minute opportunity in the tennis singles event for the world No 259, who will face the Wimbledon champion in the first round

July 26, 2024, 7:27 AM
Algeria's 800m runner Djamel Sedjati heads to Paris in red-hot form. AFP
Arab athletes ready to make their mark at Paris Olympics

Against the backdrop of war in Gaza, many are driven by a cause more powerful than sporting ambitions

July 26, 2024, 3:49 AM
Mohamed Elneny is one of two over-age players in the Egyptian Olympic squad. AFP
Egypt have high hopes for football at Olympics despite Salah absence

Former Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny captains side who start campaign against Dominican Republic on Wednesday

July 24, 2024, 4:56 AM
Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice, who won three gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, is now based in Dubai. Reuters
Olympic legend Rice eager to raise standards in UAE swimming

Australia's triple gold medallist now living in Dubai and working with Hamilton Aquatics

July 22, 2024, 6:00 AM
LeBron James of USA, right, celebrates with teammate Stephen Curry during the game against Serbia at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
LeBron James sees room for improvement after win in Abu Dhabi

Stephen Curry scores 24 points in 105-79 victory over Serbia as coach Steve Kerr defends rotation policy in final Olympic warm-up match in UAE

July 18, 2024, 3:09 AM
Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic and his Serbia teammates will play the USA in an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi. AFP
Serbia face 'one of best teams ever' in Abu Dhabi

Atlanta Hawks star eager to test himself in clash that is rehearsal for showdown at Paris Olympics

July 17, 2024, 3:16 AM
Stephen Curry of USA drives towards the basket during the game between the UAE and Australia in a practice game for the Paris Olympics as part of the USA Basketball Showcase 2024. Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Curry admits playing for USA 'an adjustment' after win in Abu Dhabi

Golden State Warriors point guard scored just three points in Team USA's 98-92 victory at Etihad Arena

July 16, 2024, 3:05 AM
Paris 2024 Olympics - The United States Basketball team practice in the United Arab Emirates ahead of the Olympics - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - July 14, 2024 Stephen Curry of the U. S. talks to the media REUTERS / Amr Alfiky
Kerr and Curry call for unity after Trump assassination attempt

USA basketball team, in Abu Dhabi, call it a 'demoralising day for our country'

July 14, 2024, 9:11 AM
LeBron James in action during a USA basketball team practice session at NYU Abu Dhabi on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Photo: USA Basketball
Team USA to use Abu Dhabi as launchpad for 17th Olympic title bid

Americans to play two exhibition matches in UAE capital as part of build-up for Paris Games

July 14, 2024, 6:42 AM
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, right, is struggling with a calf injury. AP
USA basketball star Durant 'going to be OK' for Olympics

American team in UAE capital for exhibition matches against Australia and Serbia ahead of Games in Paris

July 13, 2024, 1:59 PM
Noor Slaoui says 'you need a very special bond with your horse' to succeed in eventing. Mxmid
Olympics 'just the beginning' for Moroccan trailblazer Slaoui

Rider will make history as the first Arab woman to compete in eventing discipline at the Games

July 10, 2024, 3:15 AM
Farida Osman is the Arab world’s most successful female swimmer and was getting ready to fly to the French capital later this month to participate in her fourth – and likely final – Games. Photo: Insidefoto
Egypt's Farida Osman denied place at Paris Olympics

Swimmer missed 50m freestyle qualifying time by 0.02s and changes to Universality Program missed by Egyptian Olympic Federation

July 08, 2024, 4:28 AM
Skander Mansouri, right, and Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon. Photo: Skander Mansouri
Skander Mansouri keeps Tunisian hopes alive at Wimbledon

Mansouri battles on in the absence of Ons Jabeur as he makes it to doubles second round alongside veteran Nicolas Mahut

July 07, 2024, 7:25 AM
Ons Jabeur practising at the All England Club ahead of the Wimbledon Championships. PA
'This is where I feel amazing' - Jabeur begins quest for Wimbledon title

After successive final defeats, Tunisian star gets her mission to go one better at SW19 off to a great start with a straight-sets win over Moyuka Uchijima

July 02, 2024, 4:25 PM
Ines Laklalech during the Aramco Team Series London in St Albans, on June 16, 2022. Getty Images
Elghobashy and Laklalech seal Olympic berths with one month to go

Egypt's Elghobashy returns to the Games in beach volleyball, Moroccan Laklalech seals spot in women's golf

June 26, 2024, 2:49 AM